Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

Drugmakers Pfizer, Allergan Reportedly Agree To $150 Billion Merger

The deal for Pfizer to buy Allergan, which makes Botox, is one of the biggest takeovers in the health care sector.

The New York Times:
Pfizer And Allergan Reach $150 Billion Merger Deal
Pfizer has clinched a blockbuster merger with a fellow drug maker, one worth more than $150 billion, that can best be described in superlatives. When it is announced — most likely on Monday, people briefed on the matter said — the deal to buy Allergan, the maker of Botox, would be one of the biggest ever takeovers in the health care industry. And it would be the largest acquisition yet in a banner year for mergers. (de la Merced, 11/22)

The Wall Street Journal:
Pfizer, Allergan Agree On Historic Merger Deal
Pfizer Inc. and Allergan PLC agreed on a historic merger deal worth more than $150 billion that would create the world’s biggest drug maker and move one of the top names in corporate America to a foreign country. The boards of each company ratified the deal Sunday and it could be announced Monday, according to people familiar with the matter. The final terms include 11.3 Pfizer shares for every Allergan share and the deal also contains a small cash component, they said. (Rockoff and Mattioli, 11/22)

STAT:
Pfizer And Allergen To Create World's Largest Drug Maker
Pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Allergan are set to announce a $150 billion merger on Monday that would create the world’s largest drug company.The deal, which combines the makers of Viagra and Botox, may spark a political uproar because the transaction is designed to lower corporate tax bills. And it may also reignite concern about the extent to which drug discovery will remain an important part of the pharmaceutical playbook. (Silverman, 11/23)

This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.